RUMOR – Drones to Be Used in Epcot’s ‘IllumiNations’ Update?

We speculated several weeks ago that Disney may use drones in Epcot’s new nighttime show. At the time it wasn’t something we’d heard anywhere else, but now it seems that other sources are corroborating that rumor as well.

The Orlando Weekly has written a rumor round up on the replacement for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and here’s a rundown of some of the leading theories…

The show may use “shape-shifting” drone technology like the Winter Olympics. Patents for such technology has been filed, and the drones are said to be called “Flixels.”

According to WDW Magic, the new show may be called IllumiNations: Windows on the World.

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DSNY Newscast says that the show may use some of Disney’s intellectual properties to represent the World Showcase. This would include Mary Poppins for the UK, Ratatouille for France, etc. Epcot purists will have to get used to more Disney characters in the park — they’re clearly here to stay.

WDW News Today says that the music is currently being recorded, with Mickey Views saying we could see the new show within a few months.

The Orlando Weekly goes on to speculate how there may be a separate projection mapping show in the World Showcase that would work similarly to the Tree of Life Nighttime Awakenings in Animal Kingdom.

A separate projection mapping show, which would use various buildings in Future World and interact with other lighting in the area, is rumored to be part of the updates. Few details on this show have been leaked.

The Future World projection mapping show is expected to be similar to Animal Kingdom’s nightly Tree of Life Nighttime Awakeningsthat takes place at various times throughout the evening, mostly unannounced and are only a few minutes in length.

It’s unclear when we will see new nighttime entertainment in Epcot, as the company is very focused on Toy Story Land right now. However, with Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille being a few years away, they may want to fast track this to keep interest in Epcot from waning.

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I've loved Disney as long as I can remember. As a former newspaper editor, web developer, and Disney comics freelancer, I'm able to combine that experience into writing about Disney online. I'm also the co-host of a Disney fan podcast called 'Pirates & Princesses.' Opinions mine.